What Benefits Do Elementary Science Olympiad Coaches Perceive Gaining From Team Implementation at Their School?

• In Event: 32.084 - Poster Session 6
  In Poster Session: 32.084-1 - Division K Section 8 Poster Session 3

Abstract

This study investigates 125 Science Olympiad (SO) coaches' volunteer motivation, coaches' perceptions of school involvement with SO as having influence on students and culture, and impacts on teacher-coaches teaching practices, confidence in teaching science, or science content knowledge. Participants completed a questionnaire including motivation (CMQ) and two open-ended sections. The CMQ showed that coaches are motivated strongly by intrinsic regulation. Through open-ended questions, coaches reported students are excited about their school's participation in SO, they have support from teachers and administration, believe SO has led to other success and more STEM integration at school. Teacher-coaches reported inspiration and increased confidence in STEM content. Many reported those impacts transferred into their teaching practices and inclusion of SO activities in their lessons.

Authors

• Kylie Jayne Swanson Hoyle, University of Colorado - Colorado Springs

• Jason L Painter, North Carolina State University

• Kim D Gervase, North Carolina State University